Kawkaban: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in coordination with the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities, is preparing to launch an emergency intervention project aimed at saving, restoring, and rehabilitating the Al-Qashla Fortress in the historic city of Kawkaban, Al-Mahwit Governorate, in the coming period.
According to Yemen News Agency, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ali Al-Yafei, stated that the project would be funded by ALF Organization for Sustainable Development and implemented in five phases. The initial phase will prioritize training and capacity building, securing damaged walls, sorting and preserving construction materials, and securing the main city gate. The subsequent phase will involve restoring and rebuilding damaged exterior facades, interior partitions, and wooden ceilings that are partially or completely deteriorated.
The third phase will further the restoration efforts by including stone paving of the floors, plastering, masonry, carpentry, electrical work, and sanitation. The fourth phase will concentrate on rebuilding and restoring the outer perimeter walls and the towers linked to them. In the fifth and final phase, Al-Qashla will be transformed into a cultural center featuring traditional crafts, exhibitions, virtual museum halls, and training rooms.
The Minister noted that the project will benefit several governorates due to the strategic location of the historic city of Kawkaban, which lies between Al-Mahwit, Sana'a, and Amran.
He also mentioned that Al-Qashla Fortress was targeted by coalition airstrikes in 2016, resulting in the destruction of large sections of its walls, roofs, columns, as well as internal and external structures, including the main gate. Current risks include the possible collapse of major walls due to rain and material erosion, posing danger to local residents.
Minister Al-Yafei emphasized the project's importance in preserving the fortress as a significant cultural and historical landmark, highlighting its position within one of Yemen's key heritage tourism sites. He stressed the value of restoring the fortress to serve educational, cultural, and economic purposes by transforming it into a hub for traditional crafts, training, and various cultural activities.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's dedication to implementing the project using traditional restoration methods known in Kawkaban, aligned with international heritage preservation standards. The initiative is expected to revitalize the cultural and tourism role of the historic city.